Welcome back!!
As New Year approaches, all roads lead to Goa – India’s number 1 party destination. With cheap booze, shady shacks and umpteen choices for a New Years party, it’s a lovely place for a laid-back yet fun celebration.
After staying at places like Ratapani Range Retreat and Phoebe’s farm, I’ve found a new love for experiential stays. Living with locals, picking my own home on AirBnB, eating home cooked meals, exploring the sights my hosts recommend have always been much more fulfilling than staying in a cookie-cutter hotel rooms. Agree?
In case you’re unsure of what AirBnB is all about, let’s just say that it lets travelers stay at unique apartments owned by people (or hosts) – places with character in a quaint neighbourhood or high-rise building. From staying in an extra bedroom in a host’s house to an old, colonial mansion, the options are endless.
It doesn’t end there, you can live like a local – take the bus or hire your own car, explore at your own pace, buy your own groceries – and all while being kind to your wallet. If you fancy something unique in Goa this time around, check out these top AirBnB houses I’ve found. Ring in the new year Goa-style!
Casa De Cocum, Dabolim
Goa can be chaotic at this time of the year. If you’re looking for serenity and an unmatched view of the beach, check out Casa De Cocum in Dabolim. Located 5-7 minutes away from Dabolim Airport, this Mediterranean-styled bed and breakfast has interiors just as magnificent as the ocean outside. A gorgeous doll-house styled dining area immediately caught my attention, but the spacious verandah, tree-lined lawns and rustic accents would appeal to you too!
Accommodates – 2 | Price – approx Rs. 5500/night
Heritage luxe Suite in Casa Menezes, Batim
How about living in a 350 year old heritage mansion? Casa Menezes is a sunny, well maintained house in Batim, a 15 minute drive from Panjim. If you love art and history, you’re bound to appreciate the old wooden furniture, hall of art and regal interiors. Grab a cycle and explore the area, go bird watching or bask on the sands of Siridao beach. Food is taken care of too – with a scrumptious complimentary breakfast as well as pre-orders for Goan, Portuguese and Indian food.
Accommodates – 2 | Price – approx Rs. 10,000/night
Indigo Rooftop Villa, Candolim
The listing has close to 100 images, but I can’t stop myself from clicking ‘Next.’ This highlight of this gorgeous property is that it’s perched on the edges of lush paddy fields. While the coastal belt is a stone’s throw away, you may never feel like leaving your room – with an infinity pool on the third floor over-looking mangroves and swaying palms. Lounge on the deck while soaking up the sun on patio chairs or relish the silence in luxe interiors containing high backed armchairs, a case full of books and a bedroom where you’ll find floor to ceiling windows instead of two walls.
Accomodates – 16 | Price – approx Rs. 95,000/night
Portuguese Villa, Saligao
Get the peace you need on your holiday while having the parties and beaches just minutes away. This Portuguese Villa in a sleepy Goan village gives you a glimpse into everyday Goan living. While the façade of the home has been preserved, complete with tiled roofs and courtyard, the interiors have been done up to suit modern tastes. Cook your own meals in the spacious kitchen, take an afternoon siesta on traditional high beds or sit out in the balcao and watch the slow paced village scenery. Kids will enjoy playing outdoors in the enclosed garden, too! Grocery shops, malls, theaters, restaurants and pubs in close proximity and bikes/cars can be arranged on advance notice.
Accommodates – 6 | Price – approx Rs. 18,000/night
Nestled among stunning landscapes, this stunning villa is a perfect balance between comfort and modernity. If a swimming pool is a non-negotiable part of your holiday, you’ll find it here along with a gym and full fledged resto-bar. The 3 bedroom villa has a large sit-out, a dining area, master bedroom, covered and open terrace, satellite TV and other facilities. The business and party districts are all less than half an hour away.
Accommodates – 6 | Price – approx Rs. 35,000/night
Fully Furnished Apartment, Saligao
Looking for a home away from home? You need to check out this homely apartment close to the beach belt in North Goa. Located in a residential building with friendly neighbours, this self-serviced apartment is ideal if you have kids or are travelling with family. Comfortably accommodating a group of 7, it has all the amenities you need to spend a quick holiday in Goa on a budget. From cutlery, crockery and a fully functional kitchen (that can save you a ton on eating out) to a spacious balcony to chill out in, this comfortable place has a personality of its own.
Accommodates – 6 | Price – approx Rs. 12,000/ night
I hope these one-of-a-kind properties convince you to ditch the hotel-luxury this time around. Each of these top AirBnB listings in Goa is located in an area you’d love to know.
Enjoy your stay, and do check out some of my favorite places to eat when you’re in Goa!
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